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Introduction

The call to acts of leadership, which can be practiced from wherever we sit, is also an invitation to reclaim the creative capacity within every human being — especially those who are willing to engage the complex, adaptive challenges of our time. — Sharon Daloz Parks, contemporary educator and author

This workshop introduces the idea of system thinking. Participants practice identifying relational and emotional patterns within the congregation as they examine congregational challenges. Looking at their own congregation's issues from a system perspective, participants will apply system thinking to consider healthy approaches to real life challenges.

Goals

This workshop will:

Introduce the concept of system thinking

Teach participant a process for examining an organizational challenge from a system point of view

Offer participants practical guidelines for leading with integrity and vision while remaining connected to those who have authorized them to serve as leaders.

Learning Objectives

Participants will:

Learn a process for unearthing the relationships and emotions in play when a congregational system faces a challenge.

Examine their own congregation's challenges from a system perspective

Explore ways leaders can remain emotionally and spiritually healthy in a time of strong congregational emotions, while still remaining connected to the congregation they serve.